The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has urged political parties, security agencies, election officials and other stakeholders to protect journalists covering Saturday’s governorship election.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, and Secretary, Olalekan Akindoju, the council said journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation, harassment, assault, arrest or obstruction.
The NUJ also advised journalists to prioritise their safety, avoid confrontations and promptly report any incident that threatens their safety or ability to work.
The union encouraged journalists to use the WaFlo WhatsApp-enabled live election incident reporting system deployed by the International Press Centre.
The AI-assisted platform allows journalists to report and document incidents involving threats, harassment, attacks, detention, equipment seizure, denial of access and other forms of interference.
Journalists can access the Safe Media WhatsApp prompt through the designated channel or send “safemedia” to https://dub.sh/safemedia, or by typing “safemedia” and sending the text to 0805 877 8053.
The council called on security agencies to recognise journalists as important participants in the democratic process and provide adequate protection at polling units, collation centres and other election locations.
It also urged journalists to maintain professionalism, impartiality and accuracy while covering the election.
The NUJ stressed that all stakeholders must work together to preserve peace and ensure voters can exercise their rights freely while journalists report the electoral process safely.
